The stage is set for the grand opening of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. On 30 September, India Women take on Sri Lanka Women in what promises to be a high-intensity curtain-raiser. With home advantage, expectations, and the first points on offer, both teams will aim to stamp authority early. This match is more than just an opener—it’s a statement.

Match Overview

• Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati 

• Time (IST): 3:00 PM 

Recent Form & Context

Because this is the opening match for both sides in the tournament, there is no previous World Cup game for immediate reference. Instead, both squads enter based on their preparatory form.

India Women recently contested an ODI series and other preparatory fixtures, showing strong parts but also areas for improvement. Their batting depth and experience in home conditions are expected to work in their favour. Sri Lanka Women, while seen as underdogs, bring fight, character, and the desire to upset expectations.

This match thus becomes an early test—not just of skill, but of nerves. A win here provides confidence and momentum; a loss needs to be absorbed without derailing the campaign.

Key Players to Watch

India Women

• Smriti Mandhana – one of India’s most reliable batters and a pillar at the top order.

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain) – aggressive, experienced, and capable of turning games with bat or leadership.

• Deepti Sharma & Renuka Singh – all-round options who could control middle overs and provide breakthroughs.

• Richa Ghosh / Yastika Bhatia (Wicketkeeper-batter) – finishers who can accelerate in the late phases.

Sri Lanka Women

• Chamari Athapaththu (Captain) – seasoned and bold, capable of leading by example with big shots.

• Harshitha Samarawickrama – a promising middle order batter able to handle pressure.

• The Sri Lankan spin unit – likely to play a pivotal role, especially if the pitch aids turn or slows down later.

Conclusion

The India Women vs Sri Lanka Women match on 30 September is more than an opener—it sets the psychological tone for the entire World Cup campaign. India, as co-host, will aim to begin with authority, while Sri Lanka will look to punch above their weight and surprise. The balance between experience and flair, control and aggression, as well as how each side handles critical overs, will mark the difference. Expect a pulsating match, with early wickets, momentum swings, and drama that could foreshadow who will emerge as contenders in this edition.

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